PETER Mandelson yesterday presented Chris Turner with his Nationwide League manager of the month award - and backed Pool for promotion.

Turner picked up the honour after his team put together a run of four wins and two draws in the first month of this year.

At the award ceremony at Krimo's Restaruant in the Hartlepool Marina, Mandelson - who is also the club's president, - presented Turner with his own blue and white scarf as a lucky mascot for the rest of the season.

Surrounded by cameras and journalists, Mandelson said: "Football managers are like politicians in they have ups and downs.

''I've had quite a difficult time recently but the football club has been doing very well. During my political career when the club have been doing well I haven't and vice-versa.

''I'm not doing too well at the minute but the club is doing fantastic. Let's hope we are celebrating again later.

"Between now and the end of the season is a testing time and there is a crucial game against Blackpool tomorrow.'